Daily Yellowstone journal., 1887-01-18
ing cheers Of the happy villagers. Both

ing cneerS OF the happy Vlilhsers. bOtn
horse and man were sore, jaded and COW
cred with foam from long and continued
riding, but he never drew rein until he
reached the castle, whose gates were
thrown wide open, bar aud bolt giving
way 10 graceful arch and enblems of well
come.
In the outer courtyard he filings the rein
to a servant, who stares at him In silent
wonder. Another atonished lackey is re-
uuested TO lead him 20 the presence OF
Lady Miriam.
Through g~orgeously decorated halls,
where the air is heavy with the olOr Of
flowers, huge vases of white roses greet
the eye at every step, dropping, ms If in
welcome, their rich petals at his feet.
Truly the fairest and fittest welcome 10
the victor.
GeoiTry NaHc was a brave gentleman
and "A gallant soldier who had often m
fronled death in many shapes-a man 10
whoa fear was a word without meaning
yet to-day his heart sank weakly aud his
limbs trCmhlci as the rustic Of wonan's
dress fell upon his ear. In another mo-
ment lac is bending low before Miriam
Grey, who is liS cousin and whom he has
never seen until to-day.
There is glad and gracious welcome in
her face and her voice as she holds out
her baads to him. Ali how can he tell
her the story which may quench the light
in those bright eyes forever or mayhap
chill 10 death the white hand nov lying
in his own,
Oh, victorious white roses whose beauty
Is sullied by the life blood of father,
lover aud brother, well may you droop
your heads in the great halls below and
shed your pale leaves in pity for her whose
peerless head is well nigh level with the
dust. Aye, this day OF glorious victory
brings grief unutterabe 10 the 0 desc
late Lady Miriam.
The October winds are signing among
the gables and tuTrcts of the castle, wills
periug the wOful tale 10 the ~leailess trees
and dead flowers. The crimson and gold
leaves are being buried beneath the snow
which is piling high above them, and all
nature puts on her saddest garb AZ the
magnificent mausoleum at Ayonleigh
closes its pom ferrous doors upon the dead
victors.
Like "A white shadow the helpless Lady
Miriam PAGES ever through the lonely
halls and galleries, where the dead roses
are still untouched. No hand has been al
lowed to touch the withered emblems Of
welcome since that fatal day.
Frozen and cold as the beautiful eidel-
weiss she has buried herself from the
world, Patiently and hopelessly has
Godfrey Nane tried to warm the dead
heart TO life. Long and tenderly he has
hoped that the stricken heart tendrils
might revive and bloom again in the I'M
shine Of his love.
The springtiIRe has come again with its
soft blue skies. The tender flower buds
are unfolding 10 the sun god whose breath
nurses them from the brown bosom of the
earth. The summer has CONF with all its
gladness. But yet no bloom comes to the
cheeks Of the widowed girl-no bright
ness TO her sad eyes.
Again the October moon is bathing the
castle of Avonleigh in its yellow light,
Ringing grotesque shadows upon the
stately mausoleum and the dying flowers
are sending forth their last rerfumed sigh
ere the ride touch Of winter comes upon
them. Gpin her boudoir the golden head
is bowed in prayer; she hears not a foot
step until Godfrey Vsne utters her name
reverently. She lifts her head. looking at
him with eyes that seem TO emit the very
light Of heaven itself. His heart bounds
with great joy. Alas she is waking TO his
patient love. The cold hands are not with
drawn from his now. For the first time
the weary head is resting against his heart.
At last his unwearied love has found an
echo In the sweet bosom and moistened
the parched heart. The lips, which his
warm kisses fall upon for the first time,
are cold. but oh! the love and life and
promise that he sees in the ineffable smile
with which she tries TO reward him. IL
was truly
moments CLEAN OF sun.
SHORTENING the very edge Of doom;
The past. the pr.sent-all that fate
Can bring Of dark or desperate
Around such hours.
But make them cast
Intense radiance while they last.
Speeches. with his great happiness he
holds her closely in his arms. For one
brief moment the beautiful lips are up
raised To his. and In that one long kiss the
wounded white rose breathes her last low
ing sigh aud Godfrey Vane holds the dead
Lady Miriam ia his close embrace. Mary
MahOney In Chicago journal.